This is the fourth edition of Peace, security and development update, part of the Strengthening Citizens’ Security pilot project. It focusses on the crucial topic of youth in Sierra Leone.

The need to address the large number of economically and politically marginalised young people has been acknowledged by the Government, civil society and international agencies as one of the key factors to ensuring that Sierra Leone remains at peace. Offering education and jobs for the youth must be a priority in order to maintain security. This issue illustrates some of the challenges they face, with examples of how the 'Strengthening Citizens’ Security' project has helped them to better understand national security structures and how they can play a part in the decision-making process.